OBJECTIVETo review our experience of anterior thoracoscopic decompression and reconstruction in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures, tuberculosis and herniated disks, and to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of such procedures.

METHODSTwelve patients who underwent thoracoscopic decompression and reconstruction of the spine since June 2003 have been reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTSThere were 8 male and 4 female patients, with a median age of 48.4 years (range 32 to 74 years) with thoracolumbar vertebral fractures (8 patients), tuberculosis (3 patients) and herniated disks (1 patient). The average time for the thoracoscopy was 210 minutes (range 180 to 260 minutes). Blood loss averaged 600 ml (range 300 to 800 ml), and the median length of hospital stay was 12 days (range 7 to 18 days). One patient had to give up internal fixation because of severe osteoporosis. All patients were followed up at least 3 months. No severe postoperative complications occurred. No shift of the bone graft and internal fixator. Recovery of neural function was almost the same as open procedures.

CONCLUSIONThoracoscopic anterior procedures can be used safely and effectively in the treatment of thoracolumbar spine diseases. This minimally invasive approach might decrease procedure-related trauma, operative time, blood loss, and length of hospitalization and may also alleviate postthoracotomy pain.